What Do Occupational Therapists Do?
Occupational Therapists:
- Help people of all ages participate in the meaningful activities they need and want to do, regardless of injury, disability or health condition.
- Take the person’s full picture into account – psychological, physical, emotional and social make-up – to find the best pathway forward.
Common occupational therapy interventions include:
- Helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations.
- Helping youth and adults recover from injury to regain skills.
- Supporting older adults who experience physical and cognitive changes.
Common characteristics of occupational therapy practitioners:
- Interest in biological or behavioral sciences.
- Engagement in varied activities of work, leisure, self-care or learning.
- Commitment to community service and offering care to others.
- Ability to adapt and collaborate.
- Ability to think critically and creatively.
Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?
Occupational therapists address:
- Medical and physical conditions in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, vocational rehabilitation, home health, workplaces, assistive technology, specialty hand and pain clinics.
- Pediatric conditions in early intervention, preschool programs, emotion regulation programs, schools, social emotional programs, assistive technology and AI assisted programs, after-school programs, camps and specialty neonate clinics.
- Mental health conditions in health and wellness programs, resilience and recovery programs, mental health facilities, correctional facilities, community integration programs, workplaces and specialty interventions with stress management, yoga and mindfulness.
- Older adult conditions in multi-level senior living communities, assisted living communities, nursing homes, fall prevention programs, wellness and resilience programs, transitions and loss programs and specialty programs in palliative and hospice care.
We're Here to Help!
Contact the Office of Graduate and Online Studies at gadmit@setonhill.edu or (724) 838-4208.